Independence Day celebrations close to home
By Patte Smith
A few Independence Day celebrations are close by in the Douglas County area and there are some fun ones planned in the Denver Metro area as well.
A Fourth of July Parade, 5K race, and celebration will be held on July 4 in Highlands Ranch at Town Center North and South east of Highlands Ranch Parkway and Lucent Boulevard. The 5K race begins at 8 a.m. at Ridgeline and Highlands Ranch Parkway and the community parade starts at 9 a.m. Balloon twisters, face painters, live music, games, food, beer and much more will be part of the celebration that is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are a hot dog lover, chow down at the hot dog eating contest at 2:30 p.m.
An annual 4th of July celebration in the Meadows at Bison Park, 1390 Clear Sky Way will feature music, games, face painting, a bubble tower, bike parade and presentation of the colors. The party is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. No fireworks will take place.
The Town of Parker’s Let Freedom Sing Independence Day Celebration will be held at Salisbury Park, 11920 Motsenbocker Road from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on July 4. Kids and parents can =enjoy children’s activities, great live music, and fantastic food from local vendors. Admission is free and event-goers are welcome to bring coolers and picnics. Limited parking and handicap accessible parking will be available at the park for $5, cash only.
A Fourth of July Street Fair in Monument offers a full day of festivities for the whole family. There will be a children’s parade beginning at 9:30 a.m. followed by the main parade at 10:00 a.m. Following the parade, the street fair will continue until 3:00 p.m. and will showcase more than 100 vendors on both Second and Washington Streets.
Sports and fireworks — what could be better? The Colorado Rockies will feature spectacular fireworks on July 3 and July 4 at Coors Field as fans watch the Rockies challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Colorado Rapids are taking on the Columbus Crew on July 4 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way in Commerce City. A great fireworks display will take place after the game. The Denver Outlaws battle the Boston Cannons at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant Street in Denver on July 4. After the game, enjoy pyrotechnics paired with visuals on a 220-foot wide screen.
In downtown Denver, the fifth annual free Independence Eve celebration is on Thursday, July 3 at 8 p.m. at Civic Center Park, 101 West 14th Avenue. The event features a concert, light show, and fireworks display. Lawn seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Many community homeowner’s associations will host neighborhood parties as well. Be sure to send your pictures by e-mail.
